Advice on Pursuing a Philosophy Major at UC Berkeley?

Hey guys, junior here and I'm seriously considering majoring in Philosophy. After much research, UC Berkeley's Philosophy program caught my attention. Has anyone gone through this program or knows anyone who has? What should I expect if I choose to go this route and how competitive is it?

UC Berkeley's philosophy program is widely respected and can provide a solid foundation for a variety of career paths, from law and teaching to consulting and policy work. On the academic side, you can expect rigorous coursework covering a wide range of philosophical topics - from contemporary ethical dilemmas to the thought of ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle.

Admission to UC Berkeley, in general, is highly competitive, but once you've been accepted to the university, declaring a major in philosophy does not typically involve an additional competitive application process.

Your coursework and overall experience could be quite writing and reading intensive - you'll be doing close reading of philosophical texts and writing argumentative essays. It can be hard and requires critical thinking ability, but if you have a passion for deep questions and logical thinking, it can be deeply rewarding.

Being at Berkeley also allows you to take advantage of unique opportunities such as Philosophy Forums where you can discuss and learn from others. One other advantage is that the philosophy department also has an extensive library which can be a valuable resource for your coursework and research.

Lastly, make the most of your relationships with your professors and advisors. They can give you insights into the discipline, advice about classes to take, and may eventually become invaluable references for jobs or graduate school applications. Remember everyone’s experience is a bit different, so it could be useful to reach out and connect with current students or alumni who have chosen this path to get a more personalized perspective.